Pathways to PR: Contract Administrator
Each week, I will dive into an occupation and discuss potential pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia.
Next up, an office based occupation!
Contract Administrator (ANZSCO Code: 511111)
Description
Prepares, interprets, maintains, reviews and negotiates variations to contracts on behalf of an organisation.
Qualification Required
Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.
At least 3 years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification listed above.
Tasks (including but not limited to)
Developing, reviewing and negotiating variations to contracts, programs, projects and services
Responding to inquiries and resolving problems concerning contracts, programs, projects, services provided, and persons affected
Managing paperwork associated with contracts, programs, projects and services provided
Working with Project Managers, Architects, Engineering Professionals, owners and others to ensure that goals are met
Advising senior management on matters requiring attention and implementing their decisions
Overseeing work by contractors and reporting on variations to work orders
Preparing and reviewing submissions and reports concerning the organisation's activities
Collecting and analysing data associated with projects undertaken, and reporting on project outcomes
Reviewing and arranging new office accommodation
Main Visa Options
Employer Sponsorship
482 - Skills in Demand Visa (Core Skills Stream) This visa allows employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where there is a recognised need.
Work Experience: A minimum of 1 year within the last 5 years.
Skills Assessment: Not required for this occupation.
Visa Type: A temporary visa, granting a stay of up to 4 years.
Route to PR: You may be eligible to transition to the permanent 186 visa after working for your employer for 2 years.
186 - Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - Direct Entry Stream This is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer.
Work Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Skills Assessment: A mandatory skills assessment is required unless an exemption applies.
Visa Type: Grants Permanent Residency upon approval.
494 - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an employer in a designated regional area.
Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
Skills Assessment: A mandatory skills assessment is required.
Visa Type: A temporary visa allowing you to stay for up to 5 years.
Route to PR: You can apply for the permanent 191 visa after living and working in a designated regional area for 3 years.
Skilled Independent Visas
Important Information:
These visas operate on a points-tested system. A positive skills assessment is mandatory. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, declaring a points score. An EOI can remain in the system for up to two years. Invitation rounds can be sporadic, so there is no guarantee of receiving an invitation to apply. For the 190 and 491 visas, each state and territory has its own unique requirements and priority occupations. It is vitally important to check these requirements before lodging an EOI.
How points are awarded: Points are awarded for factors such as your age, English language level, work experience (in and outside Australia), education level, and partner skills. Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points to apply. The system is flexible, and you build your score from different categories; you do not need to score in every single one. The higher your points, the better your chance of an invitation.
190 - Skilled Nominated Visa This visa is for points-tested skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It grants permanent residency, with the requirement that you live and work in the nominating state for a specified period (usually two years).
Minimum Points: A minimum of 65 points is required (this includes the 5 points you receive for state nomination).
Skills Assessment: A mandatory skills assessment is required.
Visa Type: This is a permanent visa.
How are you chosen?: You must submit an EOI in SkillSelect and seek nomination from a state or territory. If you meet their criteria, the state may nominate you, which triggers an invitation to apply for the visa.
491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa This visa is for points-tested skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area.
Minimum Points: A minimum of 65 points is required (this includes the 15 points you receive for the nomination/sponsorship).
Skills Assessment: A mandatory positive skills assessment is required.
Visa Type: A temporary visa for up to 5 years.
Route to PR: After holding the 491 visa for at least 3 years and meeting certain requirements (like minimum taxable income), you can apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
Other Possible Visa Options
407 - Training Visa: A temporary visa for workplace-based training.
Skills Assessment Authority - VETASSES
Skills Assessments are mandatory for all Skilled Independent visas and some Employer Sponsorship visas.
A positive skills assessment requires meeting specific standards :
Group C
Must meet one of the following:
1- Diploma or higher + relevant major + 1 year work experience
2- Diploma + no relevant major+ cert 4 relevant + 1 year work experience
3- Diploma + no relevant major or add qualifications + 2 years work experience
or
Pre qualification can apply:
3 years highly relevant work experience + 1 year in the last 5 + Diploma.
Outlook
While not specifically mentioned as a high-demand occupation for visa purposes, skilled individuals with relevant experience and qualifications may still find opportunities for skilled migration visas, particularly if they align with the needs of specific organisations.
